More information:

Peter Lopez was kind enough to send me this link:
http://www.avpress.com/n/12/0112_s6.hts#thetop#thetop

Shortly before the accident, the pilot radioed the tower
requesting permission to simulate an emergency situation in which
the engine stops shortly after takeoff and the pilot must make an
emergency landing. In this simulation, the pilot cuts back on the
engine power, similar to a driver taking his foot of the gas
pedal, but the engine does not stop completely, Jones said.

The aircraft made a low approach to the airport but did not touch
down on the runway, then proceeded with the simulation, Jones
said.

The first attempt was apparently successful, and the pilot
requested permission for a second attempt.

It was in making the second attempt that the accident occurred, he
said.

The airplane crashed about two miles from the airfield, at 40th
Street West and Avenue F.